Why Do Teens Drink? An Investigation

In the United States, teens and alcohol seem to be one inseparable match. But just why do teens drink? We delve into the common reasons.

Most teenagers will have their first taste of alcohol long before they have reached the legal drinking age of 21. Alcoholism beginning during the teenage years can cause various health and risk problems as the child continues to get older.

To stop teenage drinking, we must first understand the reasons why teenagers choose to drink in the first place. By understanding their reasons, you will be able to provide them with the help and support that they need to stop drinking.

To find the answers to why do teens drink, we encourage you to continue reading.

Why Do Teens Drink?

There can be various reasons that cause a teenager to begin drinking, and at times they may be evident while other reasons are subtle. Below you'll find an in-depth explanation of the issues that lead teenagers to take their first sip of alcohol.

Others Do It

During the teenage years are when many people begin to start experimenting with drugs and alcohol. Chances are that some of the teens experimenting with these substances will happen to be in your child's friend group. This when others begin to peer pressure your teen into doing what they do. This may lead to teens finding ways to obtain fake IDs online from sites like Fake Your Drank so that they can buy alcohol. As a parent you need to deter them from going down this route and make it very clear that this can lead to adverse legal consequences for them and the whole family.

The teens will see their parents and friends drinking and begin to think that it must not be that bad since so many people are drinking it. This will then lead them to try it for themselves, and as they see more and more people drinking, it'll begin to become normal for them.

Social Media Depiction

Every time you turn on the radio or watch a movie, there is some famous rapper talking about all of the cough syrup they drink or the number of bottles they bought at the club. The media paints a picture that drinking and using other substances is living a lavish lifestyle.

Teenagers can be moved to try the things that their favorite celebrities try. When they see their favorite rapper on television, living it up, they want to do the same things, including drinking.

Self-Medicating

The pressure to fit in and live up to expectations can cause a teenager to become depressed with who they are and the situation that they are in. Thus, they may turn to drinking as a way of self-medicating.

Consuming alcohol temporarily numbs all of their emotions and thoughts, for the time being, allowing them to escape for reality. Instead of dealing with the issues head-on, the teen will instead choose to keep medicating with alcohol and ignoring their problems.

Rebelling

It's human nature that when someone tells you not to do something, you've got to do it just once. The same concept applies to drinking, a teenager that is seeking to rebel against the societal norms or rules their parents have in place may begin to abuse alcohol.

It gives them satisfaction to do something without their parent's permission, and it can lead to alcoholism.

Low Self-Esteem

Often times, teens that have low self-esteem will turn to alcohol because it helps them to stop overthinking and act more confidently. Alcohol frees the drinker of their inhibitions, causing them to act without a thought in most cases.

For a teenager, alcohol may give them the courage to talk to a long time crush or to wear an outfit they usually wouldn't wear.

Quick Fix

There are times teenagers may drink because the effects are quick, and it puts them into a better mood. If they were feeling sad, drinking alcohol begins to make them feel happy and as if everything is okay.

As stated above in the self-medicating portion, alcohol works as a numbing agent. It allows the user to escape for a time while they are indulging in drinking.

Bored

Some teenagers drink because they are bored and have nothing else to do. This typically occurs when teens can't handle being alone or need to be entertained at all times. Drinking may seem like the only option for them when they can think of nothing else to do.

Signs Of Teenage Alcoholism

There are some signs that all parents can be on the lookout for when it comes to identifying whether or not your child is drinking. These signs are apparent in their behavior as well as their physical appearance.

Behavior

If your child exhibits one of the following behaviors, they may be abusing alcohol. These behaviors include:

● Inability to stay focused

● A decline in academic performance

● New friends

● Loss of interest in past hobbies

● Aggressive or passive behavior

Physical Changes

Some physical changes that you may want to watch out for are your teen's sudden change in the way that they dress. Perhaps, they love pops of color and then suddenly begin wearing black clothing, this may be a sign of an underlying issue.

Another sign would be if they suddenly begin to show a lack of care for their personal hygiene may be cause for some concern as well.

Consequences

It is vital that when you begin to notice signs that your teen is drinking alcohol that you do what is necessary to get them the help they need. Also, you must educate your teen on the consequences of a minor in possession of alcohol.

Being caught with alcohol or being pulled over after having consumed alcohol can lead to being arrested, hefty fines, and the possibility of a DUI. Your teen must understand the dangers of abusing alcohol and how it can affect their lives negatively.

Various resources can aid parents in helping find the help that is specifically for teenagers that abuse substances and alcohol.

The Wrap-Up

Why do teens drink may be a confusing subject, but once you understand all of the influences surrounding your teenager, you'll be more equipped to help them. Ensure that you keep an eye out for any of the signs we listed above.

If you need more advice and tips on how to handle a situation similar to this one or others, visit our website and get in contact with us today. We like to think of ourselves as experts in family and relationship situations.